Donations for troops overseas needed by Thursday

Pulaski, NY -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7289 in Pulaski again this year is collecting items to be sent to soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines overseas. And the post needs donations badly. Giving is down this year, said Leroy Bowen, a post member.

Items should be donated by Thursday at the post or at the Richland town hall. The post has collected food, entertainment items and even cards from children to send to troops at Christmastime for about four years.

Bowen’s wife, Lois, began the effort by herself about six years ago when he was stationed with the reserves in Iraq.

“We haven’t gotten a lot of donations this year,” Bowen said. “It’s real slow this year — maybe because of the economy.”

Bowen said the post also needs people to come to the VFW from Nov. 19-21 to help package the items for shipment. Money donations also are welcome to help mail the items overseas. Checks can be mailed to Pulaski VFW Post 7289, P. O. Box 151, Pulaski, NY 13142. Indicate on the bottom “Christmas for the troops.” The Post is a 501-C3 organization, so donations are tax deductible.